haunted.

he wasn't going to drink anymore of the champagne anyways. when the glass was handed back, he set it on the tray of a waiter walking by, a frown on his face. "well, i'm not drinking anymore of it, so maybe they only have half my soul." jinu shrugged. "you know what, if a fae wants it, they can have it. i'm sure it's in better hands with a fae than it is with hades."

cas let out an unbothered laugh, lifting both hands in mock surrender. "what? i figured if anyone was qualified to announce it, it'd be me." he flashed jinu a grin that made it impossible to tell whether he was joking or trying to get under his skin. "don't worry, i left out your employee id number."

he watched the abandoned champagne disappear with the waiter before snorting. "half your soul? that's generous. i don't see why they'd want that." cas leaned casually against the nearest table, tilting his head. "but, if you're volunteering it to them, at least negotiate. ask for a favor, eternal youth, a winning lottery ticket, being in a better boy band... something." his smirk widened. "giving your soul away for free? hades would be embarrassed."

the second they'd gotten to the ball, the rest of the saja boys scattered, but jinu knew where they were. scattered among the rest of the people, they were clear with their brightly, almost neon colored outfits. he was the one that stood out from them, his all black outfit all dramatic flare. he didn't really care about attending an event like this, not because he hated balls or dances, but because half the time it reminded him of where he came from. of course back then jinu was attending them as someone working them, not a guest. he vaguely wondered if the regular people of elias attending would annoy him for autographs.

"this champagne tastes weird. do you think i'm going to be able to leave at the end of the night or did the fae steal my soul?" nevermind that he didn't have a soul.

casimir appeared beside him with impeccable timing, glancing from the champagne flute to jinu with an exaggerated look of concern. "pretty sure you've got that backwards," he mused. "last i checked, you're the one who's supposed to be stealing souls."

he plucked the glass from jinu's hand long enough to inspect it before taking a sip himself. "hm. tastes expensive. slightly floral. only a little suspicious." handing it back with a crooked grin, he shrugged. "if the fae did manage to steal your soul, i'd ask hades for a refund. you're far too entertaining to keep gone for so long."

LOCATION: summer solstice ball, evening/night

Beatrice curls into her seat on the window ledge, forcefully yanking the curtain closed to hide her from the rest of the ball. She rests her feet against the sliver of wall opposite her, covering her knees in a swathe of blue fabric. This whole thing is stupid. She shouldn't have come. Between the fire-eaters and the sword-swallowers, there's too much happening to feel like home.

She catches a glimpse of her reflection in the window - wrong - and habitually lifts a hand to feel for feathers. It flutters there a moment before she pulls it away lest she ruin her hair. She'd put it up in a half-remembered copy of the way her mother used to do it, the way she herself had begrudgingly done it for one of her sisters. The dress she's wearing feels like something half-remembered too. Same with the dancing. When she looks at the ballroom she remembers learning to dance. Standing on her father's feet while they whirled around in front of the fire. And later too, the more formal stuff with her mother reminding her of the footwork. A ball, and she's hiding herself away. Mother would be so disappointed, she thinks like a needle to the heart.

She huffs out a beleaguered sigh. Then startles badly as someone pushes aside the curtain hiding her away. “Jiminy Christmas!” she scowls, dropping her feet back down to the floor. “Unless you're here to offer me fancy food, this spot's taken!”

casimir froze mid-step, one hand still holding the curtain aside while the other lifted in surrender. "well, lucky for you," he said with an easy grin, producing a small plate he'd liberated from one of the servers, "i happen to come bearing fancy food."

he leaned casually against the window frame, eyes dancing with amusement. "and here i thought i'd discovered the most beautiful view at the ball." his smile softened just enough to take the sting out of the flirtation. "turns out it was just occupied already. mind if i rent the other half of the window? i promise i'm excellent company... or at least considerably better than the people out there."

There was something oddly comforting about bookstores. Billy had never been able to explain why. Maybe it was because they were one of the few places where everyone seemed to exist at their own pace. Nobody expected you to rush. You could wander for hours, pick up ten different books without buying one, or accidentally disappear into an aisle because a title caught your attention.

Which was exactly what had happened. He stood balanced on the bottom shelf, stretching just enough to reach a book that had somehow ended up shoved onto the very top shelf. Whoever organized this section clearly had more faith in the average person's height than Billy did. "Almost..." His fingertips brushed the spine. "So close..." The book shifted. Then three more shifted with it. Billy's eyes widened. "Oh, that's definitely not how gravity was supposed to work." Before he could catch them, an entire row of books slid free from the shelf. They tumbled toward him in what felt like dramatic slow motion, and instinct took over before he had time to think.

A flicker of navy magic shimmered around the stack, stopping the books inches above the floor. Billy blinked up at them. "...Okay, that was probably more dramatic than just letting them fall." A sheepish smile crossed his face as he carefully guided the books back into his arms instead. "I promise I wasn't trying to redecorate." He laughed quietly to himself, turning just in time to notice someone standing at the end of the aisle who had almost certainly witnessed the entire thing.

"On the bright side," Billy said with an apologetic grin, "at least I proved the books can fly." He glanced down at the title he'd nearly caused an avalanche retrieving and sighed. "And, naturally, it wasn't even the right one."

cas had paused halfway down the aisle the moment the first book shifted, fully expecting the unmistakable crash that usually followed. instead, the entire stack froze in midair, suspended by a shimmer of magic that earned a slow, impressed whistle from him. "well," he mused, folding his arms as the books obediently settled back into billy's grasp, "i've seen people make quite the entrance into a bookstore before, but levitating the inventory is certainly a new approach." a crooked grin tugged at his mouth. "you've set the bar unreasonably high for the rest of us."

oh, he was charming - that much was as clear as the sky was blue and the sun was shining, despite how often the underland begged to be grey. a man with this level of charisma typically moved through the world with ease, often finding it hard to be told no. she herself was starting to understand why, as she found it hard to say it. she crossed her arms, attempting to suppress a natural grin into more of a smirk, and shrugged her shoulders with a shake of her head. "can't be too trusting of kindness on this side of the bridge," she told him. "the most dangerous of brews can come from the prettiest bottles, you know." her eyes scanned him carefully before she looked to the table and then around to those surrounding. "a curse, indeed."

the mermaid made a face at the words local celebrity, unsure if she would claim anything of the sort. "and you have humor," she said with a laugh as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "you're just a modern day casanova, aren't you?" regardless, it was hard not to bite - even ariel was a simple woman at the end of the day. "i just thought it would be fun to get some local business together, gain some new clientele." she looked around, though, realizing just how big of an event it really was. it was safe to say she really pulled it off and then some.

"well," she said, smiling again as her gaze lifted to meet his now. while she had been spending most of this time trying to figure out how to rush around and fit as much into each minute, she took the opportunity to slow down. he was right in that people wished to speak with her and she wasn't necessarily offering attention to the same. "you have my attention, mister casimir." she repeated the formality mainly to poke fun. "have you been enjoying yourself?"

cas laughed softly, the sound warm and easy as he rested a hand against his chest in mock offense. "modern day casanova?" he echoed. "that's the nicest accusation anyone's made against me all week." the grin never quite left his face, though there was something knowingly theatrical about it now. "and here i thought i was being subtle." his gaze drifted over the market she'd built... the bustling stalls, the crowds weaving through them, the unmistakable energy that hadn't existed here a few hours ago. "for what it's worth, i think you've proven your point. this isn't just new clientele. you gave people a reason to linger." his eyes found hers again. "that's a rarer kind of magic, no potion needed."

he leaned against the edge of the booth, folding his arms loosely. "you know, i can't even argue with you about the pretty bottle thing. half the people i know would absolutely smile while handing you a curse wrapped up with a ribbon." he tilted his head, amusement dancing across his features. "myself included, depending on the day." it was delivered with enough charm that it was difficult to tell where the joke ended and the warning began.

it had been some time since his family had moved to new elias, but still dash parr felt strange running to his full potential. even here, he was able to pull stares out of people with his speed - which wasn’t exactly a problem, but it wasn't what he was trying to do. with that said, an impressive pace by most standards felt like jogging to the middle super-in-training. dash had to consider, in population dense areas like the pier, that 20 mph looked like a sprint to these people. crawling at 10 still got comments sometimes.

as he started to approach crowds on his run, he took the opportunity to slow down to a walk. now was as good of a time as any to stretch, grab a drink, and take a break. most picnic tables were occupied by families, but he found one that only sat one person. dash approached the table and sat down on the opposite bench without asking.

"alright," he said, as he scanned the area's food vendors. considering the day and time, most had lines that were painful - but there was a taco stand right in view that only had two people in line. he pointed. "so does the food suck or is it a hidden gem? place your bets."

cas looked up from where he'd been lazily people-watching, one brow lifting as the stranger dropped onto the opposite bench without so much as a hello. his gaze followed the pointed finger toward the taco stand, studying the suspiciously short line like it was a puzzle worth solving. "see, that's exactly what they want you to think," he mused, resting his elbow on the table. "everyone assumes short line means bad food, but that's how hidden gems stay hidden. either that, or the guy working there just committed some unforgivable crime against seasoning." his shoulders lifted in an easy shrug. "honestly? i'm willing to gamble on either."

did she do that? sometimes. it depended on who she was talking to. for the most part amity tried to give people the benefit of the doubt and listen to what they had to say, but she was a bit judgemental. she didn't care. it kept her safe. and was she was pretty good about figuring out who to trust and who not to trust. "maybe i do. that's not a bad thing. i'm smart enough to know i'm probably only the second smartest person in the room." the witch looked around at all the people around them.

"i don't know anything. that's why i'm studying."

cas barked out a laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back against the nearest surface. "only the second smartest?" he echoed, one brow arching. "see, now that's confidence. just humble enough that nobody can call you arrogant." his grin lingered, amused more than anything. "for what it's worth, i don't think being judgmental is the crime people make it out to be. underland has a funny habit of rewarding people who know when to keep one hand on their wallet."

he tilted his head, studying her for a beat before the teasing softened into something a little more genuine. "and that's probably the smartest thing you've said so far." one shoulder lifted in an easy shrug. "people who walk around acting like they've got all the answers usually end up face-first in the dirt." the corner of his mouth curled again. "studying means you're still curious, and curiosity's a dangerous little habit." his eyes sparkled with mischief. "i should warn you, though. if you keep asking questions around me, i might start charging tutoring fees. they're outrageous. i usually get paid in compliments."

mandy had been flirting with this idea for quite some time that she needed another job. it was part of a grander scheme - one that involved a bigger apartment with less of a commute, both of which she couldn't afford without change. she knew though, when it came to the underland, that she needed to vibe check the place before offering them her contact information.

that was the goal tonight. first stop inferno, next stop gaston's - which bar needed someone to tend it? which had a more tolerable clientele? mandy;s eyes scanned the building as she looped around the edge, taking the long way to the front.

it was what she was good at, tending bar. it was decent money as long as the people were fine and finding a second job at a second club just felt brainless and easy. she propped herself up on an empty barstool and ordered a club soda with lime - no need to drink on a research trip.

her gaze moved to the person next to her as she attempted to smile, shifting to something more conversational. she could feel her guard rise the further she walked into the room, that was something to note. but she needed to give every option a chance - there were only so many.

"what's the vibe around here?" she asked bluntly, refusing to waste time on small talk when she had a unique cause. "do you come around often?"

cas let out a quiet laugh over the rim of his drink, glancing sideways at her like she'd just asked for the password to a very exclusive club. "that's one way to skip the pleasantries." the grin that followed was easy, practiced, the sort that made it difficult to tell where genuine charm ended and trouble began. "yeah, i'm around often. occupational hazard." he lifted his glass in a lazy little salute. "i work here."

he leaned an elbow against the bar, giving her an exaggerated once-over before settling back into that crooked smile. "as for the vibe? depends what you're after." his gaze flicked across the room where laughter mixed with bass heavy enough to rattle glassware. "if you want boring, you've wandered into the wrong establishment. inferno likes people with thick skin, quick hands, and enough personality to keep the customers entertained without letting them think they're in charge." his head tipped curiously. "you don't strike me as someone who scares easy, though."

"research trip?" he guessed, eyeing the untouched club soda with lime before looking back at her. "you're either interviewing the bar..." another beat, his smile growing a touch more playful, "...or interviewing me." he offered her his hand across the counter. "cas. resident menace, occasional bartender, and completely unbiased spokesperson for inferno." there was just enough sarcasm in that last part to betray the lie. "so... what's gaston's offering that we aren't? besides worse company."

casimir smiled at that, slow and knowing, like he appreciated someone who understood the cost of things beneath the shine. “smart choice,” he said lightly, lowering the bottle a fraction. “most people down here hear the words happily ever after and stop asking questions...”

his gaze held hers easily when she looked him over, unbothered by the scrutiny... if anything, entertained by it.

then her question drew a softer grin from him, warmer this time. “casimir,” he answered smoothly. “though most people shorten it to cas once they decide if they like me.” a beat passed before he tipped his head slightly toward her. “and you, ariel, is it? seem like you’re still deciding how to feel about me..”

he was right, of course, about how easy it was to convince an innocent bystander that what you saw was what you would receive. morality was a spectrum around these parts, and someone grayer than she would easily omit information to trick someone into handing over their cash. ariel would not admit to this man that she had learned such a lesson the hard way. "i suppose you will have to find an easier target," she said lightheartedly instead. "someone sadder, maybe."

the thing about this event now, that ariel would now have to get used to, was this air of local celebrity. no one expected the event to turn out as big as it did, but since it did - well - far more people recognized her today than they did yesterday. she smiled cordially in recognition when her name crossed his lips before proper introduction could be made. there was a chance she would have to get used to that.

"well, you're far too charming to be a regular vendor and we've already established i'm wary of your potions. so, do tell, mister casimir-" her pause then was pointed despite the smile on her face - friendship was earned even from the kindest of sorts. "how were you hoping to come across just now?"

casimir’s grin widened at that, all easy confidence and feigned offense, like she’d accused him of something unfairly criminal instead of painfully accurate. “now that wounds me a little, ariel. i was aiming for approachable.” he pressed a hand lightly to his chest, dramatic in a way that suggested he knew exactly how ridiculous he sounded. “maybe a touch mysterious. definitely memorable. charming was the hopeful side effect.” his eyes flicked briefly toward the potion bottles lining the stall before returning to her again. “though apparently i’ve crossed the line into suspiciously charming. terrible curse to live with.”

he leaned an elbow against the table then, posture loose enough to appear casual while still entirely too aware of himself. “truthfully? i was hoping you’d stop long enough to talk to me.” the admission came smoother than it probably should have, wrapped neatly in that practiced charisma of his. “the local celebrity thing was making that slightly more difficult now, everyone wants a piece of the girl helping new, old, and the underland.” his smile softened at the edges, less salesman and more man for a fleeting second. “figured i should try before someone "sadder" beat me to it.”

her arms crossed easily over her chest. the energy she radiated was nonchalant with an underlying layer of defiance. one of her favorite past times, if not her favorite, was cutting others down. there was nothing she enjoyed more than bursting drakken's bubble. of course, he made it easy. "i'm aware but there's a good reason drakken doesn't let me negotiate," said sharp tongue would get her in trouble. it had in the past many times, not that semra was ashamed of that. she would gladly speak her mind. "but where's the fun in that? i'd rather you get to know my distaste from the get go. i like watching you deflate."

her own eyes followed the swirling liquid. it was beautiful as light reflected off of it. but semra knew all too well beautiful things could be deadly. she had heard a few rumors about the fairy godmother. she wanted to see first hand if they were true. "you're hades' little minion. it's safe to say that things turn when you're around." she had learned that if one of hades' worms were around that trouble was not far behind. with a raised brow, semra closed the space between them. she let her eyes gloss over the demon before reaching beside him to grab a potion of her own. her hair hitting him in the process, just for added emphasis. "if i wanted your attention, i would have had it by now."

cas laughed quietly under his breath, the sound low and warm like he genuinely enjoyed every sharp edge she threw his way. instead of looking offended, he looked entertained... dangerously so. “oh, i can tell,” he said smoothly, swirling the drink in his hand once before finally looking back at her. “drakken keeping you away from negotiations suddenly makes a whole lot of sense.” his eyes flicked over her crossed arms, the defiance written all over her posture. “though personally? i think i’d pay extra for the experience.”

when she stepped closer, he didn’t move away. not even a little. her hair brushed against him and his gaze dipped briefly toward it before returning to her face, slower this time. more deliberate.

“hades’ little minion?” he repeated with an amused tilt of his head. “damn. and here i was hoping my reputation was improving.” there was something almost lazy in the way he leaned against the counter, but the attention he gave her was anything but careless. he noticed the potion she grabbed. the challenge in her tone. the way she carried herself like she was daring people to try her. then came that last line.

he smiled immediately, sharp and easy. “semra,” he murmured, voice dipping lower, “if this isn’t your version of giving attention, i’m almost scared to see what is.”

"well, i was one of the top witches in my class, so i'd say that i'm pretty smart." amity wasn't as big of a bragger anymore, though there were some situations that called for it, especially around people who might underestimate her. "what exactly am i supposed to know?"

cas hummed softly at that, the corner of his mouth pulling upward like her intensity amused him more than it intimidated him. honestly, it probably did. he leaned back just enough to look relaxed while still giving her his full attention, eyes glinting with something playful. “intense isn’t a bad thing,” he said smoothly. “usually just means someone’s smart enough not to waste time pretending otherwise.”

his gaze flicked over her for a brief second before settling again, steady and warm in a way that felt dangerously intentional. when she mentioned being top of her class, his brows lifted slightly, impressed but not surprised. “oh, i don’t doubt that for a second.” his voice dipped lower then, teasing at the edges. “you’ve got that look about you. like you correct people in your head before they even finish speaking.”

a quiet laugh left him before he tilted his head. “as for what you’re supposed to know?” cas stepped a little closer, not enough to crowd her. just enough to make the air feel different. “if you're such a good witch. why don't you tell me?"

ariel was not naive to the number of eyes lingering in the shadows down here in the underland. nary a move could be made without someone bearing witness, no matter what time it was - and it was not lost on her that she had not gone unnoticed by him. "oh, i didn't think the laps were that obvious." then again, she hadn't sat down one time.

it was one of those things that ended up being too good to be true, these potions whose only selling point was to elevate your emotions and then freeze them there. happily ever after never meant bad things stopped happening - that would interfere with the natural pecking order. instead, it was almost like these potions would cut your access to certain feelings, no matter what happened. ariel wasn't a fan of anything like that - it was like botox for the brain.

"it's quite costly, that level of peace," ariel said, allowing her eyes to lock on his with a knowing expression. she knew from experience how dark the underbelly of a bargain could be. "i think i'll stick with my tiny dose of zoloft, if you don't mind. "

ariel's gaze fell back to the bottle before trailing to the hand that held it, the arm, the torso, the face. her expression shifted to one of thought as her eyes met his again, curious now about his intention. still, she spoke with politeness. "thank you for visiting - i hope you enjoyed yourself. what's your name?"

casimir smiled at that, slow and knowing, like he appreciated someone who understood the cost of things beneath the shine. “smart choice,” he said lightly, lowering the bottle a fraction. “most people down here hear the words happily ever after and stop asking questions...”

his gaze held hers easily when she looked him over, unbothered by the scrutiny... if anything, entertained by it.

then her question drew a softer grin from him, warmer this time. “casimir,” he answered smoothly. “though most people shorten it to cas once they decide if they like me.” a beat passed before he tipped his head slightly toward her. “and you, ariel, is it? seem like you’re still deciding how to feel about me..”